whiplash injuries

Whiplash Injuries

Posted onAuthorStaff Writer17 Comments

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a type of injury classified as a muscle and soft tissue injury. Medically, it can be be called a sprain or strain of the neck. Its is very common in rear or side impact car accidents.

What Causes Whiplash?

Whiplash is caused by an abrupt backward and/or forward jerking motion of the head, often as a result of a car accident.

What are the Symptoms?

  • Pain and stiffness in the neck and/or shoulders
  • Inability to turn head
  • Back pain
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Discomfort while sleeping
  • Overall stiffness in the upper body

When do Symptoms Start?

Sometimes symptoms are immediate. However, it is more often the case that the symptoms are delayed up to a day or longer after the event that caused the trauma.

What is Happening Inside My Body When I Experience Whiplash?

The pain is the result of damage to the joints between the vertebrae in your neck, or damage to the discs, ligaments, muscles or nerves in the same area.

How is it Diagnosed?

Medical professionals often simply diagnose whiplash based on symptoms and the knowledge that a traumatic event occurred without further testing. However, the injury may also be diagnosed using advanced screening devices such as an MRI (magnetic resonance imagining machine) or using a CT Scan machine. X Rays will not typically show muscle injury and soft tissue trauma; therefore, it is likely an ineffective tool to identify whiplash, unless there is more severe damage such as a fracture also.

How is it Treated?

The most common treatment for whiplash is a combination of pharmaceutical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), like Naproxen or Ibuprophen because that class of medication may reduce pain, swelling, and joint stiffness and they also work to reduce inflammation, along with gentle movement therapy starting soon after the trauma. Many medical professionals will recommend using ICE as another means to control swelling of the effected area.

If Someone Hit Me with Their Vehicle, Can I Sue For Whiplash I Have It?

The answer is almost always yes. Whiplash is considered a legitimate injury that requires medical treatment and also causes a good amount of pain or discomfort. It is possible to have your entire life upended because of this type injury. For example, you miss work, can’t care for your children, miss social functions, the list goes on. It is always a good idea to see your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms as soon as possible. The medical records could be very important to proving your case.

Earner & Weaver is here to help. It is always free to speak with us. If you need to speak with a lawyer about a potential claim involving whiplash, please call us at (877) 862-4635 or use the form below to submit your information to us. We will gladly help you understand your rights and options.

17 Replies to “Whiplash Injuries”

  1. Hi Bryson, unfortunately we are not licensed to practice law in Indiana; however, we do know some great Indiana lawyers we can recommend to you. Just give us a call and we can help get you and your wife squared away! It woudl be our pleasure to talk to you and help you out.

  3. Hey! Does your firm use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok. I’m starting law school and absolutely enjoying your posts. I look forward to new ones and would love to follow.

  4. Like!! I blog frequently and I really thank you for your content. The article has truly peaked my interest.

  6. We are really sorry to hear about that incident with your wife. I hope you were able to find a good attorney in your area. We know great lawyers all across the United States and will always be happy to connect you with one we know is great. Just reach out and we will help you out.

  7. I really appreciate you talking about all the symptoms that are accompanied by whiplash. My wife and I got into a car wreck two week ago and she have been experiencing neck pain and headaches. We need to get this figured out and hire a lawyer that can help us. Do you work in Indiana?

  8. It’s pretty scary to think that a lot of the pain is actually coming from the joints from inside your neck and shoulders. My wife got into an accident last week and since then she has been in a lot of pain. I think it’s important that we get a lawyer that can help us get fairly compensated for all the trouble.

  9. That’s good to know that fast movement can cause damage to the joints. I think that it would be hard to diagnose yourself. I’ll have to go get checked for that if I get in a car crash and my neck hurts.

  10. That’s good to know that ice could help with whiplash. I would think it would be good to see a chiropractor as well. I’ll have to remember that if I get in a crash.

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